During the past decade the spotlight has been focused on the need for more and more research in nursing. Until the last five years research in nursing has for the most part been carried out by non-nurses, primarily the sociologist and psychologist. Professional nurses are aware that if nursing is to advance with other professional groups a corps of nurse-researchers must be prepared to do their own research; to assist other disciplines in studying nursing; and, most important, to interpret the findings and draw implications for nursing from the research reported.

The question is often raised by those who study nursing, "Is there any extensive, comprehensive body of knowledge in nursing beyond the master's level?" Basic research in nursing can help to find the answer to this question. Research in this area is essential if nursing is to meet all of the attributes of a profession.